ACE program recognizes HISD parents

The Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program hosted a special “Very Important Parent” celebration at the Sosa Parent Education Center last week in honor of all the hard-working parents who participated in the ACE program during the 2017-2018 school year.

Three parents from every participating campus, including Collier ES, Adams ES, Stonewall Flanders ES, Columbia Heights ES, Carroll Bell ES, Gillette ES, Terrell Wells MS and STEM Early College High School, received a certificate of appreciation for completing more than 50 hours of ACE related activities with their children.

“I’m just so proud of these parents,” 21st Century ACE Family Engagement Specialist Maria Ayon said. “Harlandale is all about families working together, and we are recognizing them because they have worked so hard this year. They have participated in so many classes. I even have parents that have up to 80 hours of attendance!”

As part of the ACE program, parents had the opportunity to attend a variety of classes and activities focused on promoting family engagement.

“We had parents that didn’t speak English, and they’re in ESL,” Ayon added. “We have parents that go to computer, parenting and nutrition classes, and we also have workshops at College Café.”

Since its inception in 2016, the program aims to increase parent involvement to ensure the success of every student.

“It is important to get the parents involved because it motivates the children to do better,” Ayon said. “When the students are here, they pass their STAAR tests, their grades are higher and they’re out of trouble because they know we are watching them, and we are here for them.”

At the end of the ceremony, every parent received a gift bag to encourage their children to continue the learning at home during the summer, which included books, notebooks, pencils and water bottles.

Ayon hopes the parents will continue to participate in the ACE Camp this summer, which will take place from June 11 to July 19. Parents who wish to participate can register with the ACE coordinator at each campus.

“It is free and open to all HISD students and parents. We will be offering classes on how to integrate our families, as well interactive activities, Zumba and much more,” Ayon concluded.